Ministries

Youth Outreach

Kay joins the leadership team on April 1 as our new Director of Youth Ministries. She will be working primarily with the middle school and high school age youth. Kay comes with a great passion for working with the youth of a congregation.

You can email Kay at lautzswood@sbcglobal.net.

j.walkers is our ministry to youth in grades 6, 7, and 8. The group meets once or twice a month on Sunday afternoons after the second service. The group gathers for social events, such as roller skating, bowling, holiday celebrations, and trips to local attractions. JWalkers also participate in regular service activities, such as the 30 Hour Famine, the CROP Walk, and Christmas caroling at nursing homes. Check for monthly updates on j.walkers’ events. Contact Kay Lautzenheiser for more information.

High School Youth Group meets once a month, usually on Friday or Saturday nights. They gather for social events and service projects. A weekend retreat to Camp Calumet is a favorite event. Many also participate in High School Forum on Sunday mornings, serve on Team for Emmaus weekends, and take part in other congregational ministries. Contact Kay Lautzenheiser for more information.

What is Emmaus?

Emmaus begins with a weekend where young people of high school age are offered a short course in the Christian way of life. Those who attend a weekend will experience Christian fellowship, and a time of reflection and insight into their own lives. There is lots of music, time to meet and get to know new friends, and an opportunities to learn through talks and discussions. It provides an opportunity to get to know oneself, others and God, on a deeper level.

What happens on the weekend?

There is discussion, fellowship, singing, worship, great food, and much fun and laughter. There are talks about the Christian faith, and small group discussions. Both teen and adult team members share talks and small group leadership. The weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Nothing will be asked of the candidates that in any way conflicts with tradtional Christian beliefs or Biblical teaching.

Who leads the weekend?

The weekend is led by a lay person who is supported by a team of teens and adults. Two ordained clergy serve as Spiritual Directors for the weekend. For more Pastor Steve or Kay Lautzenheiser.

Lynn/Boston, MA 2012 Trip

Who Can Go: High School students in grades 8 through 12 of the 2011-2012 school year. This includes students who will graduate in June of 2012.

Where You’ll Serve: Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Possible ministries include:

Kids Club: A hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus.

Local Service Partnerships: Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Examples of possible service opportunities include children’s programs, elderly centers, soup kitchens/homeless shelters, and thrift stores.

Outrageous Sports Camp: a sport-filled ministry with Bible themed character enrichment for community youth ages 10-14.

Evening Activity: Each evening, the group will do an activity designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Some possibilities are visiting Nahant Beach to swim and hang out, riding the T to Boston and visiting Quincy Market, eating dinner at My Brother’s Table, and visiting Gloucester Beach.

About Lynn, MA: Seven miles north of Boston is the city of Lynn. Lynn was incorporated in 1630 after nearby settlers bargained with Natives for land. Originally an agricultural community, Lynn people were skilled in making leather shoes that were used to purchase other daily necessities. The population of Europeans, and the tariff on shoes made in Lynn, helped to make the town the ladies’ shoe center of the world. Lynn’s population boomed in the 19th century and became a city in 1850. Today, many Lynn residents face economic challenges. Fifty-three percent of the population is considered low-income. Lynn also has the fourth highest number of homeless individuals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The number of homeless persons in shelters or on the street increased by 52 percent during the 1990s.